5 Tips for Staying Safe and Social Distancing After an Auto Accident This Winter

Carwise No Comment Dec 28,2020 Safety Tips

Drivers are taking to the roads in greater numbers than during the initial months of the pandemic. With winter weather conditions, accidents will likely increase. With elevated COVID-19 cases across the United States, this may increase the risk for drivers to contract the virus after an accident occurs. Here are some tips to help drivers navigate how to safely exchange information following an accident, as well as get a vehicle appraised and repaired.

Before You Leave

Winterize your vehicle so that you’re prepared for the unexpected.
Keep winter gear – clothes, blankets, ice scrapers – and extra food in your vehicle.
Make sure your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated and have good tread, and keep your gas tank full.

Make Safety And Personal Distance Priorities

Make sure the roadway is safe before getting out of your car.
Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
Report the accident to the police if vehicle damage is severe or state law requires it.
Maintain a social distance of six feet from other drivers, occupants, and any first responders.

Capture Accident Facts

Ask the other driver(s) to exchange information via text (names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, as well as vehicle descriptions, including make, color, and model).
Place insurance card and driver’s license on a flat surface and take pictures of both sides, and share with the other driver(s).
Take photos of the damage to all vehicles involved and the accident scene.

Inquire with Insurance

When you contact your insurance carrier to inform them of the accident, ask if they have a mobile tool available to submit information digitally, should you choose to file a claim. If available, use the link provided to initiate the claims process from your smartphone.

Repair Information

If your vehicle requires, or should you choose to repair your vehicle, ask your shop if they accept digital photos of vehicle damage to generate a virtual estimate. You can also search for a collision repair shop that offers photo estimating via Carwise.com.

When your vehicle has been involved in an accident, you can locate auto body or glass repair shops by searching on Carwise.com. Use Carwise’s shop finder tool to search your zip code for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby: carwise.com/auto-body-shops/.

Vehicle Emergency Kits for Winter

Carwise 2 Comments Dec 14,2020 Safety Tips

What you will need for your winter car kit

Just as you may have a tornado or severe storm kit in your basement, it’s a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car in case of extreme conditions. In the winter months especially, there are many items that could prove to be very useful in an unfortunate weather-related situation or accident that causes you to be exposed to extreme temperatures.

Start your kit with some basic essentials, such as non-perishable food items (i.e. canned goods or snacks), and bottled water. Pack enough for all the people typically in your car.

Next, a few handy tools to add to your kit include:

A windshield ice scraper
A multi-purpose utility tool, such as a pocket knife
An LED flashlight with spare batteries
And a bag of cat litter

Yes, you read that right. Cat litter is a great, lightweight alternative to salt or sand that can be used to free your car from snow banks or icy patches.

A classic first-aid kit may be in your car already, but it’s worth a second look to ensure it still has a full supply. Lastly, tucking a warm blanket in your trunk is also a good idea in case your car won’t start, or you have to wait for assistance in cold temperatures.

Take a look at which of these items you already have in your car, and consider adding the ones you don’t. You will be happy you did if you ever come across a situation when you need them. Leave a comment below with any items you would add to our list!

Senior man with mask assessing auto body damage

How Are Auto Body and Glass Repair Shops Keeping Customers Safe During the COVID-19 Outbreak?

The COVID-19 outbreak has caused most Americans to rethink how they work, shop and play. Since March, non-essential businesses have been forced to temporarily close due to social distancing and stay-at-home orders set forth by public health officials. Yet many auto body and glass repair owners have seen an uptick in business as drivers focus their attention on long-awaited repairs while they’re working from home, or because automobile accidents and high-speed crashes have been on the rise since the start of the pandemic, according to analysis by CCC Information Services Inc. To protect their employees and customers most shops have initiated new COVID-19 safety protocols.

COVID-19 Challenges for Repair Shops

Auto body and glass repair shops are considered “essential” businesses, which means they can remain open even while other businesses can’t. Unfortunately, serving customers now presents those shops with day-to-day operational challenges caused by the COVID-19 virus:

It can be transmitted by simply coughing, sneezing, shaking hands or talking.
It can live on surfaces for varying lengths of time, depending on the surface.

COVID-19 is more dangerous for people over 55 and those with medical conditions like heart disease, lung disease, cancer, asthma or diabetes.

Although the safety recommendations from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are effective, they also make it more difficult for auto body and glass repair shops to work with their suppliers and customers. That’s forced most shops to rethink their practices.

Glass Repair Shops Are Taking these Precautions

Because COVID-19 can survive on surfaces, auto glass shops have to minimize risk from contaminated surfaces. According to a recent article shared with Auto Body News, these are some of the new safety precautions now being used by most auto glass businesses when performing repairs and replacements:

Following all federal, state and local health department COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Asking customers to wash their vehicles and then let them sit for 24 to 48 hours prior to the appointment.

Wiping down all surfaces with sanitizing wipes before and after they’re touched by a technician.

Requiring technicians to wear disposable nitrile gloves instead of safety gloves during the actual repair or replacement.
Practicing social distancing while interacting with customers, including no handshakes.

Encouraging customers to use mobile services such as CCC’s photo estimate app (only for mobile devices) that can be hosted by a shop on Carwise and accessed from a shop’s profile on Carwise, instead of coming into the shop. Many shops will pick up your vehicle and relay contactless updates on your vehicle’s repair, plus return it contact-free.

Mandating that all employees wash their hands and use hand sanitizer throughout the day, including anytime they’re assisting a customer.

Asking all customers to leave the keys in their car rather than handing them to the technician.

What About Collision Repair Shops?

Collision repair shops face additional challenges because they oftentimes receive damaged vehicles that are towed in, along with the fact that all vehicles must be touched during the initial inspection and estimate. In addition to the glass repair COVID-19 practices listed above, here are some others that you might see at your local auto body shop:

Upon arrival, asking customers to remove all personal belongings from the vehicle, like sunglasses, garage door openers, CDs and phone chargers.

Disinfecting a customer’s car when it’s dropped off and then again before it’s picked up, with special attention given to high-touch surfaces like knobs, buttons and touchscreens.

Covering upholstery surfaces like the steering wheel, dashboard and seats with plastic while the vehicle is in the shop.

Emailing all repair-related paperwork to customers instead of printing it off.

Thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting all shop areas at least twice a day.

In the end, the health and safety of customers and employees remains a top priority of auto body and glass repair shops during this unprecedented time in our nation’s history.

Promptly Search for Collision Repair Shops Here

Our thoughts go out to everyone during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially those brave first responders and healthcare workers serving on the front lines. When your vehicle has been involved in an accident, you can locate auto body or glass repair shops by searching on Carwise.com. By using CCC’s photo estimate app (only available on mobile devices), you’ll gain contact-free, remote access to over 19,000 collision repair shops with I-CAR and ASE-certified professionals. Use Carwise’s shop finder tool to search your zip code for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/.

5 Steps for Staying Safe – Social Distancing After an Auto Accident

Carwise No Comment Aug 11,2020 Safety Tips

As some states begin easing stay-at-home orders, it’s likely that auto accidents may increase, yet COVID-19 cases are rising across the United States, which may also increase the risk for drivers to contract the virus after an accident occurs. Here are some tips to help drivers maintain social distancing measures following an accident during the pandemic as they share insurance information, get a vehicle appraised and repaired.

Make Safety a Priority

Make sure the roadway is safe before getting out of your car.
Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
Report the accident to the police if vehicle damage is severe or state law requires it.

Respect Personal Distance

Maintain a social distance of six feet from other drivers, occupants, and any first responders.
As an extra measure of precaution, consider wearing a mask when you interact with anyone at the scene of the accident.
Ask to use your smart-phone and camera to exchange information and gather facts.

Capture Accident Facts

Exchange information with the driver via text (name, phone, license plate numbers, as well as vehicle descriptions, including make, color, and model).
Place insurance card and driver’s license on a flat surface and take pictures of both sides, and share with the other driver(s).
Take photos of the damage to all vehicles involved and the accident scene.

Inquire with Insurance

Repair Information

What is the Economic Impact of COVID-19 on the Collision Repair Industry?

Carwise No Comment Apr 14,2020 Auto Body Shop Owner Tips, Trends

The COVID-19 pandemic has already changed the spending habits of most Americans. Nearly every sector in the US economy has been impacted by COVID-19, including the $50 billion a year collision repair industry. And although the recession has allowed some shops to catch up on backlogs and fill job vacancies, others are getting squeezed as people drive less and tighten their budgets. What follows are some ways that COVID-19 may be affecting the bottom line of the average collision repair shop near you.

Auto Shops Remain Open

Since they are classified by the government as “essential” businesses, auto body and glass repair shops can still-remain open when other businesses can’t. CollisionWeek (CW) recently surveyed collision repair facilities across the US to determine how their business has changed over the past month and to get their economic projections for the rest of this year. Fortunately, CW discovered that 100% of the shops they contacted were still open for business.

Car Businesses is Down in these States

However, 78% of shop respondents reported to CW that their sales had declined since the government first announced travel restrictions to slow down COVID-19’s spread. Only 9% of those shops surveyed indicated that their sales had increased over the past few weeks.

CW learned that the states where business had declined the most were those that had implemented shelter-in-place orders early on, including Pennsylvania, California and New York. In fact, several respondents in those states mentioned that the number of repair jobs involving insurance claims had dropped dramatically due to stay-at-home orders and fewer traffic accidents.

Some Car Shops Are Downsizing

The US collision repair industry employs over 350,000 workers nationwide. Eventually, most body shops will no doubt feel the financial impact of the COVID-19 recession. But when asked by CW if they had recently laid-off workers due to declining business, only 18% of respondents said “yes”. And, most of the shops that had done so we’re in the same three states listed above.

Supply Chain Disruptions For Collision Repair Shops

Collision repair shops also rely upon automotive parts manufacturers to supply them with both after-market and OEM parts. But a lot of parts factories have been forced to temporarily close due to COVID-19, including those in China.

As a result, nearly half of all respondents in the CW survey reported that they were experiencing supply shortages, with OEM parts being the hardest to obtain. Over 15% of respondents also mentioned that they were having trouble getting some of the paint supplies and other materials they needed.

For safety reasons, body shop technicians are also required to wear N95 masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE). Due to the emergency reallocation of PPE to healthcare workers and first responders, some shops are also having a hard time purchasing enough PPE.

What Does the Future Hold For Auto Repair Shops?

CW also asked respondents to make business predictions for the next two months- specifically how long they could stay afloat if the COVID-19 crisis persists. Eight-out-of-ten shops felt confident that they could weather the financial storm even if it lasts for a while, with only around 9% indicating that they would be forced to close their doors for good.

When asked by CW if they were confident that business would return to normal during the second half of 2020, a vast majority of survey respondents indicated that they thought it would.

Over at CCC, a leading information services provider for the collision repair industry, they are also optimistic about the future of their clients. According to a recent article posted on CCC’s website, some industry insiders believe that COVID-19 will only cause a minor ripple in the collision repair sector, resulting in a temporary hiring slowdown in some states.

But given that there’s already a shortage of technicians in the collision repair field, that may give the average shop a chance to catch up as new tech school graduates become available.

Promptly Find Local Collision Repair Shops Here

Even with fewer drivers on the road due to the COVID-19 pandemic, accidents still happen. When your ride’s been dinged up, promptly take it to one of the 19,000+ auto body and glass repair shops listed in the nationwide Carwise referral network. Once you do, I-CAR and ASE-certified collision repair professionals will promptly go to work restoring your vehicle like new again while putting your mind at ease.

Search your zip code now for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby: www.carwise.com.

How Can I Clean & Disinfect the Inside of My Car?

Carwise No Comment Apr 14,2020 Car Care Tips

The average driver spends a lot of time inside their vehicle each week and some use it as their mobile office. Unfortunately, car interiors can be very dirty places where microorganisms thrive, including disease-causing bacteria and viruses. A recent study published by researchers from the UK’s University of Birmingham found that a children’s car seat may contain even more germs than the average toilet seat. To put your mind at ease, here are several reliable ways to clean and disinfect the inside of your car.

Where Do Germs Hide Inside a Car?

Your car’s passenger compartment has a lot of features that can easily double as hiding places for pesky germs, such as:

Cabin air filter

If you leave your windows rolled up most of the time, your cabin air filter probably contains a lot of trapped mold spores, pollen grains, and germs. But when that filter gets too dirty it can’t do its job, which will eventually lower your cabin’s air quality.

Upholstery

Carpet and seat upholstery attract food crumbs and other particles upon which bacteria and other microorganisms can grow. Door handles, dashboards, touch screens, shifters and steering wheels are typically covered in germs.

Car keys

Your car keys are not only handled frequently, they also end up getting tossed on dirty surfaces that may contain numerous bacteria and viruses. When you pick those keys up the next morning, the germs hop on your skin.

These Germs Live Inside Vehicles

Some germs that can live inside your car may cause vomiting, diarrhea and coughing, while others make your throat sore or body ache. Here is a list of some of the more common germs that may be living inside your vehicle:

Cold and flu viruses like rhinovirus and influenza
Mold spores and allergens
Intestinal organisms like E. Coli, salmonella and Norovirus
Coronaviruses like COVID-19

How to Protect Your Vehicle’s Occupants

Fortunately, there are several preventative measures you can take that will help keep unwanted “passengers” out and your vehicle’s occupants safer, starting with these:

Vacuum

Give your vehicle’s interior a good vacuuming every month and be sure to use a brush attachment on the seat fabric and carpeting. Then, use a crevice tool to vacuum all the little nooks and crannies where food crumbs and bacteria congregate. Vacuum under the seats, between the seats and then be sure to thoroughly vacuum your child’s safety seat!

Shampoo

Microscopic particles like pollen, dust and germs can infiltrate deep inside your carpet and seat upholstery. That’s why it’s also important to shampoo your cabin’s cloth material from time-to-time. Shampooing the floor mats and then hanging them outside to dry in the sunlight will also act as a disinfectant. If you don’t have time for a DIY upholstery shampoo, many auto body shops offer professional interior detailing services for the average driver.

Disinfect

Some harmful viruses can live for weeks on exposed plastic, vinyl and metal surfaces, so wipe down your dash, trim, cup holders, door panels and consoles with reliable disinfectant wipes. You may even want to use a highly effective disinfectant spray to clean the air inside your passenger compartment.

A/C & Cabin Filters

Your A/C and cabin filters are necessary to remove harmful particles from the passenger compartment, which means when they get clogged the air quality starts to diminish. Be sure to replace those filters based on the manufacturer’s recommendations found in your owner’s manual. A mechanic can also clean out your A/C vents for added protection.

Promptly Find Local Collision Repair Shops Here

When it’s time to find a local auto body or glass repair shop, isn’t it nice to know that you can promptly do so through the nationwide Carwise referral network? Not only that, all shops listed on Carwise are I-CAR and ASE certified, which means they employ knowledgeable collision repair professionals who are highly trained on the latest equipment and services to restore your ride like new again promptly and reliably. For your convenience, many collision repair shops also offer top-quality interior and exterior auto detailing as a value-added service.

Search your zip code now for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby: www.carwise.com.

Should I Get Those Small Rust Spots on My Car Fixed?

Carwise No Comment Apr 14,2020 Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips

You’ve had your car for several years now and just paid it off. Because it still runs great you were planning to hand it down to your high schooler when they head off to college. But after another snow-filled winter, you noticed some small rust spots when you took it through the car wash. What should you do? Much like the tip of an iceberg, any noticeable rust on your vehicle could be an indication of more serious problems lurking beneath the surface. Here’s why getting those rusted areas promptly repaired is so important.

Why Do Cars Rust?

It’s common for older vehicles to get rust spots, especially when they’re exposed to saltwater or road deicers in cold-weather climates. Over time, chemicals, dirt and road salt can all cause the top layers of your paint to weaken. Unrepaired scratches and dents from minor fender benders and stray grocery carts can also promote rust formation, even on newer cars.

When bare metal gets exposed to water, iron and air it starts corroding due to a chemical reaction known as oxidation. Once saltwater starts accelerating the oxidation process, you might notice a small rust spot around your wheel well or near the bottom of a door. Once that rust spreads, it not only looks bad and lowers your resale value, it can start corroding structural components and body panels.

Small Rust Repairs

Small rust repairs work well when the damage is superficial, and the corrosion hasn’t had a chance to penetrate through to the metal. A body shop might recommend a small rust patch job when it’s caused by a deep paint scratch or minor dent.

This is how collision repair technicians perform a small-scale rust repair:

The corroded area and the surrounding paint are first sanded down.

The exposed metal is then coated with a primer.

Once the primer dries, the area is repainted to match the rest of your vehicle.

The entire car is then waxed and polished with a high-quality wax.

Larger Rust Repair Jobs

Once the rust has penetrated a larger and/or deeper area, more extensive bodywork is needed. Large-scale rust repairs become necessary when the metal has started to corrode completely through, which will eventually weaken the integrity of supporting structures enough that they may not be able to withstand a subsequent collision.

Large-scale rust repairs typically include these steps:

First, the corroded metal section is cut out and then replaced. If the damage is extensive, it may be necessary to switch out the entire body panel.

A bonding material is used to fill in around the repaired area.

The area is then sanded, primed and painted to match the rest of the car.

The exterior is waxed and polished using a high-quality wax.

How Can I Protect My Car from Rust?

In addition to the body, the undercarriage of your vehicle is also vulnerable to rust, including the exhaust system, floorboards and chassis. Here are some rust-prevention tips:

Take your car frequently to a touchless car wash that also washes the undercarriage, and especially whenever your car’s been exposed to road salt.

Hand wax your vehicle every 6 months with a high-quality Carnauba Wax.

Have your car professionally detailed every year because the detailing products they use will permeate all the little nooks and crannies and better protect your paint’s finish. Many auto body shops also offer detailing as a value-added service.

Get any deep scratches or noticeable dents repaired promptly.

Find Local Rust-Removal Experts Here in Seconds

If you’ve got some rust spots on your car’s exterior, don’t take chances. Instead, restore your peace of mind by promptly taking it to one of the auto body and glass repair shops listed in the nationwide Carwise referral network. All shops featured on Carwise employ I-CAR and ASE-certified professionals, which means they have the latest equipment, services and facilities to get your ride looking great again promptly and reliably. And, you can also use Carwise to locate collision repair shops that provide professional detailing services.

Search your zip code now for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby: www.carwise.com.

Which U.S. Cities Rank Highest for Traffic Congestion?

Carwise No Comment Mar 18,2020 Trends

If you live in a large city around the United States, you’re no stranger to traffic congestion. Daily commutes can be stressful, especially when you’re further delayed by work zones and accidents. Morning and evening rush hour backups have become a way of life for millions of Americans, whether it’s traveling by car, truck or bus. But have you ever wondered how your city’s traffic congestion ranks in comparison to other metro areas? Thanks to a recent study by INRIX, that “guessing game” is now over.

Who is INRIX?

INRIX is a global leader in transportation analytics and connected car services. In other words, they collect, analyze and then provide information to customers about how people travel around the world on-a-daily-basis. In March of this year, INRIX published a report called the 2019 Global Traffic Scoreboard. The data contained within that study was collected anonymously from various sources, including cars, smartphones, trucks and traffic control systems.

INRIX looked at traffic patterns, the average length of delays, lost productivity and daily travel times for commuters in 100s of U.S. cities. Based on that information, INRIX was able to rank each metro area based on traffic congestion severity. In addition to motorists, they also included daily commuters who use bicycles or public transportation.

These U.S. Cities are Commuting Nightmares

Wichita, Kansas, had the lowest traffic congestion score in the country, with commuters on average only losing about two hours of annual productivity. Unfortunately, if you commute to another city, lengthy traffic delays are costing you significant time and income every year.

According to INRIX, these are the top 10 most-congested U.S. cities for commuters, starting with the worst:

Boston, MA
Chicago, IL
Philadelphia, PA
New York City, NY
Washington, DC
Los Angeles, CA
San Francisco, CA
Portland, OR
Baltimore, MD
Atlanta, GA

For example, the average commuter in Boston loses 149 hours per year while stuck in traffic, which ends up costing them roughly $2,205 in lost income. The estimated economic impact nationwide is over $88 billion.

Worst U.S. Corridors for Commuters

INRIX also analyzed congestion data for specific roadways. Surprisingly, a few of the U.S. cities that didn’t rank the highest overall for congestion still had individual roadways that did. These were the worst traffic corridors for motorists in 2019:

I-5 in Los Angeles, CA
US-101 in Los Angeles, CA
Brooklyn Queens Expressway in New York City
I-95 in New York City
I-85/I-75 in Atlanta, GA
I-35 in Austin, TX
I-275 in Tampa, FL
I-290 in Chicago, IL
I-405 in Los Angeles, CA
I-90/I-94 in Chicago, IL

For instance, the average commuter in L.A. loses up to 80 hours of productivity per year when traveling on I-5 between the I-10 and I-605 interchanges.

What’s the Solution?

The transportation experts at INRIX point out that access to reliable data is the first step in tackling the congestion problem. When it comes to solving urban mobility challenges, creating more intelligent transportation systems is vital.

They further recommend that city planners and engineers do a better job of prioritizing transportation spending with respect to traffic flow, parking and population movement. Unfortunately, the operating budgets of many large metropolitan areas highlighted in this report are already stretched to the breaking point.

Find Coast-to-Coast Collision Repair Shops Here

No matter where you drive in the U.S., accidents happen. When your ride’s been dinged up in a fender-bender, put your mind at ease by promptly locating a local auto body or glass repair shop through the nationwide Carwise referral network. Once you do, I-CAR and ASE-certified collision repair specialists will get started restoring your vehicle like new again using the latest equipment, services, and technologies.

Search your zip code now for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby: www.carwise.com.

Can Minor Rear-End Collisions Cause Hidden Damage?

Carwise No Comment Mar 13,2020 Auto Body Shop Consumer Tips, Auto Body Shop Owner Tips

Rear-end collisions are the most common type of motor vehicle crashes every year in the U.S., representing roughly one-third of all accidents. (1) And although over 1,700 motorists die and more than 500,000 are injured in front-to-rear crashes annually (2), most rear-end accidents occur at slower speeds and cause minor structural damage. On the other hand, even when your vehicle gets dinged up just slightly it can cause hidden damage that may place your safety at risk later on.

What Causes Rear-End Car Collisions?

According to traffic safety experts, rear-end collisions in the U.S. happen over 2 million times per year. (3) Furthermore, over 80% of those crashes could be avoided simply if the trailing driver had one extra second of warning time. These are the main causes of rear-end collisions:

Speeding
Traffic congestion
Distracted driving
Mechanical failure
Aggressive or reckless driving
Driving while fatigued
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

What You Can’t See Matters When It Comes to Car damage

Although the cosmetic damage to your vehicle may seem negligible, the dirty little secret about rear-end collisions lies beneath the surface. When you’ve been involved in a minor front-to-rear accident, these are some of the hidden problems it could cause:

Electrical Damage In Your Vehicle

Even a minor impact can loosen wires for your battery, brake lights, taillights or starter. In addition to the fact, a loose engine wire could leave you stranded, those disconnected brake lights will keep you from alerting drivers behind you that you’re stopping.

Car Transmission Damage

A rear-end collision not only affects your car’s body, but it can also harm mechanical parts. All-wheel-drive (AWD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicles have transmission components located near the rear that can get damaged even during a low-impact crash. If the transmission isn’t checked out immediately after an accident, your car could start shifting roughly, leaking transmission fluid or experience poor acceleration.

The Trunk Of Your Car Is Damaged?

A small impact to the back of your car can mess up the trunk’s locking mechanism and seal. Left unaddressed, you could have trouble opening the trunk, water could leak into the storage compartment, or the trunk lid may even pop open while you’re cruising down the highway.

Car Frame Damage

Most bumpers are only painted plastic that doesn’t protect the metal components directly underneath. Even minor fender benders can slightly bend your car’s frame and lead to future safety problems, like an onboard driver warning system malfunction or weakened frame that doesn’t protect you during a subsequent collision.

Car Alignment Problems

Hitting a pothole can knock your car out of alignment, so what makes you think to sustain a front-to-rear impact won’t? If your ride starts pulling to one side of the road, vibrates strangely or there’s a shimmy in the steering wheel, your alignment may be off. A misaligned vehicle can cause premature wear and tear to your tires, brakes, suspension and other parts that result in poor handling issues.

How to Avoid Rear-End Car Crashes

The best ways to avoid rear-end collisions include:

Maintain a safe following distance based on weather conditions and speed.
Obey all posted speed limits, especially in construction zones.
Don’t drive while under the influence of drugs, alcohol or cold remedies.
Never text while driving.
Pullover and take a break if you’re feeling tired, or switch drivers.
Get your vehicle inspected by a mechanic several times a year.
Buy a vehicle with an accident-avoidance system.

Your Reliable Solution for Rear-End Car Collisions

When your ride’s been involved in a minor rear-end collision, don’t just pocket the insurance check and gamble on your safety. Instead, put your mind at ease by promptly taking your vehicle to one of the 19,000+ auto body and glass repair shops featured in the nationwide Carwise referral network. Once there, I-CAR and ASE-certified shop managers and technicians will give your car the “once over” to make sure it’s safe to drive.

Search your zip code now for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby: www.carwise.com.

References:

SafeBraking.com: NHTSA: 28% of Crashes Are Rear-End Collisions; 9/14/2012
News Release from the National Transportation Safety Board dated 6/18/2015: NTSB Calls for Immediate Action on Collision Avoidance Systems for Vehicles; Cites Slow Progress as Major Safety Issue
National Safety Commission report: The Road Can Be a Hazardous Place: Common Types of Traffic Accidents; 10/4/2013

How Can I Prepare My Car for a Spring Break Road Trip?

Carwise No Comment Mar 4,2020 Car Care Tips

Every year from mid-March to mid-April millions of Americans take Spring Break road trips. Whether it’s a carload of college students en route to Panama City, or a family “truckster” loaded for Disneyworld, it’s always a busy time on our nation’s roads. But if you’re one of the drivers who’s participating in this annual rite-of-passage, the last thing you need is a broken-down vehicle stranded on the shoulder due to mechanical trouble. To help ensure that your Spring Break vacation is a more relaxing one, use these car-prepping tips from the pros.

Car/RV Fluids Check Before Long Family Trips

You’ll probably have a cooler full of thirst-quenching beverages on board, so don’t forget to refresh your vehicle’s fluid levels too. Use this handy fluid checklist to keep your car hydrated:

Add Coolant To Your Car

On longer trips, your engine’s radiator fluid gets put to the test. Check your coolant level before leaving, and the radiator hoses for signs of leaks. It’s also recommended to have the cooling system flushed and filled every 50,000 miles.

Car Oil

Oil is your engine’s lifeblood, so make sure that your oil and filter get replaced every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. If your vehicle leaks a little oil, check its level with the dipstick and top it off before hitting the road. And, don’t forget to put an extra quart in your car.

Refill Your Cars Washer fluid

You’ll no doubt be encountering all kinds of weather during your journey, so make sure to top off your windshield washer fluid reservoir. If your wiper blades are leaving streaks on the glass, it’s time to buy a new set.

Other Car fluids

It’s also a good idea to inspect the fluid levels for your brakes, power steering and transmission.

Car Tire Checks Before Spring Break

Your car’s tires are important for safety, comfort and fuel efficiency, so don’t neglect yours. Here are some tire-care tips from the experts:

Vehicles Treadwear

Most tires last 30,000 to 50,000 miles if properly maintained, so have a tire specialist inspect your “rubber” for signs of uneven wear, bulging or punctures. The “penny test” is a good way to check the tread depth yourself. Tires lacking adequate tread to properly grip the pavement can cause handling and hydroplaning issues.

Air Pressure Of Your Car Tires

Over or underinflated tires promote uneven tread wear and steering problems, so check your air pressure every time you fill up your gas tank. If you’re traveling from a cold area to a hot one, for every 10 degrees of temperature variation your tires’ pressure will fluctuate up or down by 1 PSI.

Tire Rotations

For optimal tread life, your tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. If you are long overdue, get a tire rotation before hitting the road.

General Car Maintenance

Your vehicle has numerous parts and systems that all must work together so you can reach your Spring Break destination without incident. To keep your ride in good working order, have a reliable mechanic check out these components well ahead of your departure date:

Brake pads and rotors (last for 25,000 to 70,000 miles)
Engine air filter and cabin filter
Light bulbs, including headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals
Belts and hoses
A/C and heater
Battery and alternator

Your Cars Emergency Travel Kit

Due to unforeseen circumstances, there’s always the possibility you could get stranded for a few hours on your trip. AAA recommends that all drivers keep an emergency roadside travel kit in their vehicles with these items:

Emergency reflectors
Blankets
Mobile phone charger
Bottled water and non-perishable snacks
Flashlight with extra batteries
Jumper cables
First-aid kit

Your Reliable Car Repair Solution for Spring Break Collisions

Even if your ride is road-ready, you can still be involved in a Spring Break road trip collision. When you’ve been involved in a fender-bender, promptly locate a nearby auto body or glass repair shop through the nationwide Carwise referral network. Once you do, I-CAR and ASE-certified collision-repair experts will promptly get started restoring your vehicle like-new again using the latest equipment, services and techniques.

Search your zip code now for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby: www.carwise.com.